RCMP Busts Pirate DVD Operation

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Federal Enforcement Section announced that it executed a search warrant at a Markham, Ontario, Canada residence where a counterfeit DVD manufacturing laboratory was located.

According to the statement, in the early morning hours of July 12, 2010, York Regional Police (YRP) were contacted by a family stating they were victims of a home invasion. During the YRP followup investigation the counterfeit laboratory was discovered and the RCMP notified. The RCMP seized approximately 100,000 pirated copies of North American titled movies including some which were still in theaters. Also seized were 128 DVD burners capable of copying over 8,000 movies per day and 25,600 writeable DVD’s on spindles. Two large business photocopiers and one industrial size paper cutter were located in the residence along with 200 toner cartridges.

It is alleged that pirated copies were being manufactured and distributed for sale from this laboratory at greatly reduced prices. This seizure had a potential sale value of $2,000,000.00 if sold as genuine movie works.

“Movie piracy shuts down job opportunities and impacts everyone who is legitimately involved in the production and distribution of movie works,” says Corporal Cathie Glenn. “Opportunities to partner with enforcement agencies such as the York Regional Police assists the RCMP in sending an unmistakable message that copyright infringement is a serious crime that will be prosecuted.”

Charged with 1 count each for Possession of Property Obtained by Crime contrary to Section 354(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada and 4 counts each under Section 42 (1)(a) of the Copyright Act, are: